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A NOC is a Network Operations Center, and it’s a single location where IT professionals can monitor and manage their network, including the health, availability, and status of endpoints. Typically, a NOC is a physical space equipped with multiple monitors to view all critical metrics about the enterprise, providing early warnings of any service issues. In a complex networking environment, a NOC is essential for visibility and control.

What is a NOC responsible for?

A NOC (pronounced “knock”) manages and monitors IT environments, often across multiple locations, to ensure optimal network performance and minimize downtime. Activities that a Network Operations Center might manage includes, monitoring of the network, server, network and device management including patch management and updates, incident response to issues such as power or network failures, backup and storage, and often some security elements of network management, too.

In some cases, a business may have a dedicated SOC (Security Operations Center) that focuses on security-related tasks such as firewall and intrusion prevention, antivirus, and disaster recovery.

A robust NOC also handles customer management tasks, such as collecting feedback from users to enhance service, managing vendors or independent contractors, and ensuring adherence to best practices and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Why do I need a NOC?

A NOC is the heart of your business—a centralized place where issues are quickly identified and resolved, ensuring uninterrupted service, availability, and performance.

In today’s complex IT environments, there are numerous risks. Missing a patching schedule can expose you to cyber vulnerabilities, coding errors may cause misconfigurations, improper handling of customer data can lead to compliance breaches, and excessive network load can impact performance and customer satisfaction. With a dedicated NOC, you ensure that your IT environment is continually monitored, preventing issues from escalating and maintaining smooth operations.

Your NOC provides peace of mind, offering a “bird’s-eye view” of your network and the expertise needed to address potential threats as soon as they arise.

Should a NOC be internal or external?

The decision to have an internal or external NOC depends on your organization’s needs. Some companies prefer an in-house NOC, while others, especially smaller businesses, may opt to outsource to an MSP (Managed Service Provider), MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider), or another third-party vendor. Given the current technical skills gap and challenges in retaining skilled personnel, outsourcing can be a practical solution. Conversely, larger organizations may benefit from managing their own NOC for greater control over network operations.

What are some NOC best practices for my business?

Here are some best practices for building a successful and efficient NOC:

1. Use a Unified Technology Platform

Using multiple tools for monitoring and maintenance can create gaps or blind spots. For instance, having separate tools for network availability and cyberattack detection can lead to fragmented alerts and dashboards. Opt for a single tool that consolidates all necessary functions, such as patch management, incident response, and monitoring, to streamline operations and minimize oversight.

2. Choose the Right Team

A typical NOC includes technicians with varying levels of expertise. Level 1 technicians may handle basic issues, while Level 3 technicians deal with complex problems such as system shutdowns or potential cyberattacks. AI can enhance alert routing, ensuring that tasks are directed to the appropriate technician.

3. Choose the right KPIs to track

To gauge your NOC’s performance, track relevant metrics, including:

  • Wireless KPIs: Signal strength, interference, client volume, and number of AP connections to controllers.
  • Business KPIs: MTTR (Mean Time to Resolution), response times, SLA compliance, network equipment age, and repair schedules.
  • Infrastructure KPIs: Power, cooling, backups, connections, and rack space.
  • Traffic KPIs: Packet drops, latency, application availability, and network usage metrics.

The right technology simplifies NOC management and ensures you have a comprehensive view of network performance in a single tool.

Conclusion

Implementing a Network Operations Center (NOC) is crucial for maintaining a well-functioning IT environment. A NOC provides centralized monitoring and management of your network, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing downtime. By integrating a NOC, you gain a comprehensive view of your IT infrastructure, allowing for proactive issue resolution and efficient management of network resources.

Whether you choose an internal or external NOC, adhering to best practices—such as using unified technology platforms, selecting the right team, and tracking key performance indicators—will enhance the effectiveness of your network operations. In today’s complex IT landscape, a robust NOC not only safeguards your network against potential threats but also supports your organization’s overall productivity and growth.

For businesses aiming to streamline their IT management and bolster network reliability, investing in a well-structured NOC is a strategic step toward achieving long-term success.

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